The DIONZ Ecosystem in Zug, Switzerland presents itself as a community of change-makers and impact seekers, offering a unique educational experience and a valued aligned community. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that DIONZ is operating as a scam and proxy scheme, spearheaded by its founder Elena Zafirova. Zafirova’s motivations are primarily driven by personal gain, a fixation on names, a desperate need for validation, and an attempt to hide her middle-class upbringing, rather than a genuine commitment to supporting startups and fostering growth.
One of the main red flags within DIONZ is the exorbitant membership fee of 2,900 CHF per month, which cannot be justified by any substantial benefits. It becomes evident that this hefty amount is being used to sustain the proxy scheme that DIONZ has become. New memberships serve as a means to cover the organization’s existing debts, while old and current members are continuously deceived and misled.

Furthermore, founder Elena Zafirova’s behavior towards middle-class members is dismissive and condescending. She mocks their aspirations and potential partnerships, demonstrating a lack of support and understanding. Witnessing her belittlement of a member of Indian descent who mentioned a potential partnership with a tech company worth £50 million, simply because she did not recognize the name and even mocked the amount as too small, was particularly disconcerting. This behavior highlights Zafirova’s obsession with wealth, overshadowing any genuine support for startups or the cultivation of authentic connections within the community.
Upon further investigation into Zafirova’s background, it becomes clear that she relies on false validation and attempts to hide her middle-class childhood. She shamelessly name-drops prestigious institutions like Harvard University, despite not graduating from there and only attending a leadership course. This manipulative tactic of seeking validation through renowned schools is both deceptive and pathetic. Additionally, Zafirova consistently clings to her high school, Rosey Institute, from 20 years ago, which her parents struggled to afford, in an effort to create an illusion of affluence and influence. However, a closer look into her family background reveals that she grew up as an only child in a middle-class household in Zurich. There is no company or business registered by her father in Switzerland or Bulgaria. It appears that Zafirova’s fixation on prestigious schools and her high school is an attempt to mask her humble origins and gain acceptance and validation within the community.
In conclusion, under Elena Zafirova’s leadership, the DIONZ Ecosystem operates as an organization driven by deception, personal validation. The proxy scheme it runs serves only to exploit its members, utilizing their membership fees to cover past debts and continuously deceive them with empty promises. As an entrepreneur seeking genuine support and a community that values innovation and personal growth, it is crucial to steer clear of DIONZ and find an authentic community that truly supports and nurtures startups, regardless of their founders’ backgrounds or false validation tactics.